The collection consists of documents (many of which are photocopies), photographs and plaques related to some of the business
and public service activities and interests of William R. Mason. Mason trained as a civil engineer, graduating from the University
of Washington and receiving his master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1959 he joined the Irvine
Company and was hired to help lead the ranch in its preparations for urbanization and development. In 1965 was named president
of the Irvine Company.

Background

William Ralph Mason trained as a civil engineer, graduating from the University of Washington and receiving his master’s degree
from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1959 he joined the Irvine Company and was hired to help lead the ranch
in its preparations for urbanization and development. In 1965 was named president of the Irvine Company, and he was also
actively involved with the fund drives of the Orange County Red Cross, City of Hope, and YMCA. He also served as a member
of the Board of Fellows for the Claremont Colleges, on the Chapman College President’s Council, as chairman for the Boy Scouts
of America’s long-range planning committee, and was a founder of the junior achievement program in Orange County. William
R. Mason died July 14, 1973 at the age of 53.